Cellular base station keyed cable connectors

ABSTRACT

Various cellular plate assemblies are described. A plate may be present having a first side and a second side. Port connectors can be arranged on the first side of the radio plate. Each port connector is configured to be connected with a different port of a cellular radio or cellular antenna system. Cable ports can arranged on the second side of the radio plate. Each cable port can be connected with a corresponding radio port connector of the plurality of radio port connectors. Further, each cable port is keyed differently such that only a particular keyed cable assembly can be mated with the cable port.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/801,744, filed on Feb. 26, 2020, entitled “Cellular Base StationKeyed Cable Connectors,” the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/801,744 is related to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/801,752, filed on Feb. 26, 2020, entitled“Cellular Base Station Radio to Antenna Connection System,”, the entiredisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entiretyfor all purposes.

BACKGROUND

When installing a new cellular tower or modifying a cellular tower of abase station, connections need to be made between the base station'santennas and radios, baseband unit (BBU, also referred to as acentralized unit, CU), distributed unit (DU), and/or cellular siterouter. The radios are typically located some distance from theantennas, such as in one or more housings located on the ground. Theantennas tend to be located in an elevated position, such as atop acellular tower. If the radios are not connected to the antennascorrectly, the base station may not function properly or at all.Similarly correct connections may need to be established between othercomponents, such as connections involving a BBU, DU, and/or cellularsite router. Typically, this scenario requires a technician to return tothe base station, diagnose, and correct the installation. In addition tothe downtime of the cellular tower not functioning properly or at all,requiring a technician to diagnose and correct the installation can betime-consuming, especially if a significant amount of weather protectivematerial needs to be removed and reinstalled or replaced.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments are described related to a cellular radio tocellular antenna connection system. In some embodiments, a cellularradio to cellular antenna connection is described. The system mayinclude a plurality of radio cable ports. Each radio cable port may beconfigured to be communicatively connected with a different antenna ofan antenna system. Each radio cable port may be keyed different suchthat only a particular keyed cable assembly of a plurality of keyedcable assemblies can be mated with the radio cable port. The system mayinclude a plurality of antenna cable ports. Each antenna cable port ofthe plurality of antenna cable ports may be configured to becommunicatively connected with a different radio of a radio system. Eachantenna cable port may be keyed different such that only a particularkeyed cable assembly of the plurality of keyed cable assemblies can bemated with the antenna cable port. Each radio cable port of theplurality of radio cable ports may be keyed in a same pattern as anantenna cable port of the plurality of antenna cable ports with whichthe radio cable port may be intended to be communicatively connected.

Embodiments of such a system may include one or more of the followingfeatures: the cellular radio to cellular antenna connection system maycomprise the plurality of keyed cable assemblies. Each keyed cableassembly of the plurality of keyed cable assemblies may comprise a keyedradio connector and a keyed antenna connector. The keyed radio connectorand the keyed antenna connector of each keyed cable assembly of theplurality of keyed cable assemblies may be keyed the same. Each radiocable port may comprise one or more keyed protrusions located within anouter housing. Each antenna cable port may comprise one or more keyedelements located within an outer housing. The one or more keyedprotrusions of each radio cable port may be arranged in a differentpattern than each other radio cable port of the plurality of radio cableports. The radio plate assembly may comprise a radio plate. The radioplate assembly may comprise a plurality of radio port connectorsattached to a first side of the radio plate. The radio plate assemblymay comprise the plurality of radio cable ports attached to a secondside of the radio plate opposite the first side of the radio plate. Theradio plate assembly may comprise an attachment mechanism that securesthe plurality of radio port connectors to a matching plurality of radioports of the radio system. The plurality of radio port connectors may bearranged on the first side of the radio plate such that plurality ofradio port connectors may mate with a plurality of radio ports of theradio system in a single orientation. The antenna plate assembly maycomprise an antenna plate. The antenna plate assembly may comprise aplurality of antenna port connectors attached to a first side of theantenna plate. The antenna plate assembly may comprise the plurality ofantenna cable ports attached to a second side of the antenna plateopposite the first side of the antenna plate. The antenna plate assemblymay comprise an attachment mechanism that secures the plurality ofantenna port connectors to a matching plurality of antenna ports of theantenna system. The plurality of antenna port connectors may be arrangedon the first side of the antenna plate such that plurality of antennaport connectors may mate with the plurality of antenna ports of theantenna system in a single orientation. The system may further comprisethe antenna system comprising a plurality of antennas. The system mayfurther comprise the radio system comprising a plurality of cellularradios. The plurality of radio cable ports may be mounted on the radiosystem. The plurality of antenna cable ports may be mounted on theantenna system.

In some embodiments, a cellular tower plate connection system isdescribed. The system may comprise an antenna plate assembly. Theantenna plate assembly may comprise an antenna plate. The antenna plateassembly may comprise a plurality of antenna port connectors attached toa first side of the antenna plate. The system may comprise a pluralityof antenna cable ports. Each antenna cable port of the plurality ofantenna cable ports may be configured to be communicatively connectedwith a different radio of a radio system. Each antenna cable port may bekeyed different such that only a particular keyed cable assembly of afirst plurality of keyed cable assemblies can be mated with the antennacable port. The plurality of antenna cable ports may be attached to asecond side of the antenna plate opposite the first side of the antennaplate. A radio plate assembly may comprise a radio plate. The radioplate assembly may comprise a plurality of radio port connectorsattached to a first side of the radio plate. The radio plate assemblymay comprise a plurality of radio cable ports. Each radio cable port maybe configured to be communicatively connected with a different antennaof an antenna system. Each radio cable port may be keyed different suchthat only a particular keyed cable assembly of a second plurality ofkeyed cable assemblies can be mated with the radio cable port. Theplurality of radio cable ports may be attached to a second side of theradio plate opposite the first side of the radio plate.

Embodiments of such a system may include one or more of the followingfeatures: each radio cable port of the plurality of radio cable portsmay be keyed in a same pattern as an antenna cable port of the pluralityof antenna cable ports with which the radio cable port may be intendedto be communicatively connected. The system may further comprise theplurality of keyed cable assemblies. Each radio cable port may compriseone or more keyed protrusions located within an outer housing. Eachantenna cable port may comprise one or more keyed elements locatedwithin an outer housing. The one or more keyed protrusions of each radiocable port may be arranged in a different pattern than each other radiocable port of the plurality of radio cable ports. The antenna plateassembly may further comprise a first attachment mechanism that maysecure the plurality of antenna port connectors to a matching pluralityof antenna ports of the antenna system. The plurality of antenna portconnectors may be arranged on the first side of the antenna plate suchthat the plurality of antenna port connectors may mate with theplurality of antenna ports of the antenna system in a single possibleorientation. The radio plate assembly may further comprise a secondattachment mechanism that secures the plurality of radio port connectorsto a matching plurality of radio ports of the radio system. Theplurality of radio port connectors may be arranged on the first side ofthe radio plate such that plurality of radio port connectors may matewith the matching plurality of radio ports of the radio system in asingle orientation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of variousembodiments may be realized by reference to the following figures. Inthe appended figures, similar components or features may have the samereference label. Further, various components of the same type may bedistinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a secondlabel that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the firstreference label is used in the specification, the description isapplicable to any one of the similar components having the same firstreference label irrespective of the second reference label.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an embodiment of a cellular tower plateconnection system.

FIG. 1C illustrates an embodiment of the cellular tower plate connectionsystem with connections made between the plate assemblies, the cableassemblies, the radio system, and the antenna system.

FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment of a front of a connection plate.

FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment of a back of a connection plate.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a connection being made between acable connector of a cable assembly and a cable port of a plateassembly.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a method for using a cellular towerplate connection system.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a keyed cable port.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a keyed cable connector.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a keyed cable port.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a keyed cable connector.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a keyed cable port.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a keyed cable connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments detailed herein are focused on cellular tower plateconnection systems and methods for using such cellular tower plateconnection systems. When a technician connects a radio system of a basestation to the antennas of the base station, the technician is likelyworking in a hostile environment. For instance, when making connectionsto the antenna system, the technician may be high above the ground nearthe top of a cellular tower of the base station. Due to the hostileworking environment, it may be relatively easy to make installationerrors, such as connecting a radio of the radio system to the wrongantenna. Further, weatherproofing may be installed over the connectionsmade to an antenna system. Removal of this weather proofing may be amessy and time-consuming process if the connections need to becorrected.

To decrease the likelihood of errors, a cellular tower plate connectionsystem, as detailed herein, may be used. Prior to the technicianclimbing a cellular tower or opening a radio system, cables can beproperly routed between two plate assemblies, referred to as a radioplate assembly and an antenna plate assembly. These connections can bemade in a relatively convenient location, such as on the ground or at acompany's facility. On site, at the base station, the technician mayconnect the antenna plate assembly to the antenna system. Connection ofthe antenna plate assembly to the antenna system may only be possible ina particular orientation, which may be particularly useful if thetechnician is atop a cellular tower. Therefore, it may not be possible(or may be difficult or obviously wrong) to connect the antenna plateassembly in such a way that would result in incorrect connections beingmade between the antenna plate assembly and the antenna system.Similarly, on site, the technician may connect the radio plate assemblyto the radio system. Connection of the radio plate to the radio systemmay only be possible in a particular orientation (or may be obvious ifdone wrong or difficult to do wrong). Therefore, it may not be possibleor may be difficult to connect the radio plate in such a way that wouldresult in incorrect connections being made between the radio plate andthe radio system.

Additionally or alternatively, keyed connectors may be used to helpensure the proper connections are made. Such keyed connectors may beused for connections involving: antennas, radios, BBUs, DUs, and/orcellular site routers. If an antenna plate assembly and radio plateassembly are used, keyed connectors may be used for the connections withcables running between the antenna plate assembly and the radio plateassembly. Alternatively, if an antenna plate assembly and/or a radioplate assembly are not used, keyed connectors may be used to makeconnections directly between the radio system and cables and/or betweenthe antenna system and cables. Each cable assembly that is to beconnected between a radio system antenna system or between a radio plateassembly and an antenna plate assembly may be keyed differently thansome or all of the other cables to be similarly used. Each cableassembly may have a similarly keyed connector on each end. Thisconnector may be keyed to only connect with a particular cable port ofeach plate assembly (or directly with the system). That way, the cablecan be reversed and still be used to make the correct connection. Bykeying the individual connectors of the cable assemblies differently, itmay be impossible or difficult for a technician to inadvertently make anincorrect connection between plate assemblies or directly between theradio system and antenna system.

Further detail regarding such embodiments is provided in relation to thefigures. FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B illustrate an embodiment of a cellulartower plate connection system 100 (“system 100”). FIGS. 1A and 1Billustrate the same embodiment of system 100. For clarity, some calloutsare indicated on FIG. 1A and others are indicated on FIG. 1B.

System 100 is shown with connections between the plate assemblies, thecable assemblies, the radio system, and the antenna system disconnected.System 100 can include: radio system 110; radio plate assembly 120;cable assemblies 130; antenna plate assembly 140; and antenna system150. Radio system 110 and antenna system 150 may be components of acellular network base station. Antenna system 150 can include somenumber of antennas, which are typically located in an elevated locationto improve communication with user terminals, such as atop a cellulartower. Radio system 110 may typically be located a short distance fromantenna system 150, such as on the ground in a housing near the cellulartower. Radio system 110 may have multiple input and/or output radioports 113 that are used for outputting signals and receiving inputsignals from antenna system 150. For example, radio ports 113 may befiber-optic ports, coaxial ports, or some other form of optical or wiredcommunication ports. Similarly, antenna system 150 may have multipleinput and/or output ports 153 that are used for outputting signals toand receiving input signals from antenna system 150. Each of ports 153may correspond to a particular port of radio ports 113. For example,ports 153 may be fiber-optic ports, coaxial ports, or some other form ofoptical or wired communication ports that match radio ports 113.

Radio plate assembly 120 can include: radio plate 121; attachmentmechanism 122; attachment mechanism 123; weather seal 124; radio portconnectors 125; and cable ports 126. Radio plate 121 may be a rigid orsemi-rigid plate made out of materials such as plastic or metal onto orthrough which various connections between radio port connectors 125 andcable ports 126 are present. Radio port connectors 125 may be arrangedon radio plate 121 such that radio port connectors 125 each align with acorresponding radio port of radio ports 113. Due to the position ofradio port connectors 125, it may only be possible to connect radio portconnectors 125 to radio ports 113 in one particular orientation.Therefore, it may not be possible for a technician to form connectionsbetween radio port connectors 125 and radio ports 113 if radio plateassembly 120 is in an incorrect orientation.

When radio plate assembly 120 is pressed onto radio ports 113,connections between radio ports 113 and radio port connectors 125 may bemade simultaneously or nearly simultaneously. Further, weather seal 124may form a barrier around radio ports 113 and radio port connectors 125.Weather seal 124 may be an O-ring that can be compressed when radioplate assembly 120 is pressed onto radio ports 113.

When connections have been formed between radio ports 113 and radio portconnectors 125, some form of attachment mechanism may be engaged to holdradio plate assembly 120 in place against radio system 110. In system100, attachment mechanism 122 latches onto protrusion 111 and attachmentmechanism 123 latches onto protrusion 112. Attachment mechanisms 122 and123 can be disengaged by a technician if radio plate assembly 120 needsto be disconnected from radio system 110. While attachment mechanisms122 and 123 latch onto protrusions 111 and 112 in the illustratedembodiment, other forms of attachment mechanisms are possible. Forexample, an attachment mechanism may use one or more screw fasteners,adhesive, one or more clamps, friction-fastening, etc. to removablysecure radio system 110 with radio plate assembly 120.

On a side of radio plate 121 opposite the side on which radio portconnectors 125 are located, cable ports 126 may be arranged. Each cableconnector of cable ports 126 may be wired to a corresponding radio portconnector of radio port connectors 125. In some embodiments, a cableconnector of cable ports 126 is located immediately opposite thecorresponding radio port connector, which can help minimize the lengthof wiring through radio plate 121. Alternatively, cable ports 126 may bearranged in a different pattern or order on radio plate 121 than thecorresponding radio port connectors on the opposite side.

Antenna plate assembly 140 can function largely similarly to radio plateassembly 120, however antenna plate assembly connects with antennasystem 150. Therefore, the arrangement of ports on antenna plateassembly 140 matches the arrangement of antenna ports 153. Antenna plateassembly 140 can include: antenna plate 141; attachment mechanism 142;attachment mechanism 143; weather seal 144; antenna port connectors 145;and cable ports 146. Antenna plate 141 may be a rigid or semi-rigidplate made out of materials such as plastic or metal onto or throughwhich various connections between antenna port connectors 145 and cableports 146 are present. Antenna port connectors 145 may be arranged onantenna plate 141 such that antenna port connectors 145 each align witha corresponding antenna port of antenna ports 153. Due to the positionof antenna port connectors 145, it may only be possible to connectantenna port connectors 145 to antenna ports 153 in one particularorientation. Therefore, it may not be possible for a technician to formconnections between antenna port connectors 145 and antenna ports 153 ifantenna plate assembly 140 is in an incorrect orientation.

When antenna plate assembly 140 is pressed onto antenna ports 153,connections between antenna ports 153 and antenna port connectors 145may be made simultaneously or nearly simultaneously. Further, weatherseal 144 may form a barrier around antenna ports 153 and antenna portconnectors 145. Weather seal 144 may be an O-ring that can be compressedwhen antenna plate assembly 140 is pressed onto antenna ports 153. Otherforms of weather seals are possible, such as using a resin orwater-repellant material that can be applied by a technician.

When connections have been formed between antenna ports 153 and antennaport connectors 145, some form of attachment mechanism may be engaged tohold antenna plate assembly 140 in place against antenna system 150. Insystem 100, attachment mechanism 142 latches onto protrusion 151 andattachment mechanism 143 latches onto protrusion 152. Attachmentmechanisms 142 and 143 can be disengaged by a technician if antennaplate assembly 140 needs to be disconnected from antenna system 150.While attachment mechanisms 142 and 143 latch onto protrusions 151 and152 in the illustrated embodiment, other forms of attachment mechanismsare possible. For example, an attachment mechanism may use one or morescrew fasteners, adhesive, one or more clamps, friction-fastening, etc.to removably secure antenna system 150 with antenna plate assembly 140.

On a side of antenna plate 141 opposite the side on which antenna portconnectors 145 are located, cable ports 146 may be arranged. Each cableconnector of cable ports 146 may be wired (or otherwise connected) to acorresponding antenna port connector of antenna port connectors 145. Insome embodiments, a cable connector of cable ports 146 is locatedimmediately opposite the corresponding antenna port connector, which canhelp minimize the length of wiring through antenna plate 141.Alternatively, cable ports 146 may be arranged in a different pattern ororder on antenna plate 141 than the corresponding antenna portconnectors on the opposite side.

Cable assemblies 130 can be used to connect each cable connector ofcable ports 126 to a corresponding cable connector of cable ports 146.In some embodiments, each of cable ports 146 and cable ports 126 may bekeyed such that only a cable keyed to that particular style connectorcan be fully connected to the cable connector. Such an arrangement canhelp prevent incorrect connections between cable ports 126 and cableports 146. Each cable of cable assemblies 130 may include a cable thatmatches the types of signal (e.g., fiber optic cable for an opticalsignal, conductive cable for an electrical signal).

Cable ports 126 may be connected to cable connectors 131 and cable ports146 may be connected to cable connectors 133. Each of cable connectors131 and 133 may form a weather tight seal with the cable connector withwhich it is connected. Further detail regarding cable connectors 131 and133 and cable ports 126 and 146 is presented in relation to FIG. 3 .

FIG. 1C illustrates an embodiment of the cellular tower plate connectionsystem 100C (“system 100C”) with connections made between the plateassemblies, the cable assemblies, the radio system, and the antennasystem. System 100C illustrates the same embodiment as system 100,however, connections between radio system 110, radio plate assembly 120,cable assembles 130, antenna plate assembly 140, and antenna system 150have been made. Further, attachment mechanisms 122, 123, 142, and 143have been engaged with the corresponding protrusions of radio system 110and antenna system 150.

FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment of a front of plate assembly 200.Plate assembly 200 can represent an embodiment of radio plate assembly120 or antenna plate assembly 140. For the purposes of this example,plate assembly 200 is described as a version of radio plate assembly120. Each of cable ports 126, such as cable ports 126-1, 126-2, and126-3, may be connected with a particular radio port connector presenton the back of plate assembly 200. In some embodiments, cable ports 126may be keyed differently from each other such that only a particulartype of designated cable may be attached to each cable port of cableports 126. Further detail regarding keyed cable ports is described inrelation to FIGS. 5-10 .

FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment of a back of plate assembly 200. Asnoted in relation to FIG. 2A, plate assembly 200 can represent radioplate assembly 120 or antenna plate assembly 140. For the purposes ofthis example, plate assembly 200 is described as radio plate assembly120. The back of plate assembly 200 may have radio port connectors 125.Each of radio port connectors 125 may be positioned on radio plate 121to match the location of radio ports 113 on radio system 110. Plateassembly 200 may be mated with radio system 110 such that each radioport connector of radio port connectors 125 connects or mates with amatching radio port of radio ports 113. Plate assembly 200 can be pushedagainst radio system 110 to connect radio port connectors 125 with radioports 113. Further, by pushing plate assembly 200 against radio system110, a weatherproof seal may be formed around the formed connections,such as by weather seal 124. Further, attachment mechanisms 122 and/or123 may snap or otherwise attach with radio system 110 to hold plateassembly 200 connected with the ports of the radio system.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment 300 of a connection being made betweena cable connector of a cable assembly and a cable port of a plateassembly. In the illustrated example, a connection is made between acable and a cable port of a radio plate assembly. Similar cableconnections may be made to an antenna plate assembly. Cable connector131-1 may have a retractable sleeve 301. Retractable sleeve 301 may bepulled in direction 302 to allow a connection to be made or removedbetween cable connector 131-1 and cable port 126-1 located on radioplate 121. When in the unretracted position (to which retractable sleeve301 may return when force is not applied to retractable sleeve 301 indirection 302), retractable sleeve 301 may help form a weathertight sealbetween cable connector 130-1 and cable port 126-1. While retractablesleeve 301 is in the unretracted position, cable connector 130-1 may belocked to cable port 126-1. Opposite cable port 126-1 on radio plate 121may be radio port connector 125-1. In other embodiments, radio portconnector 125-1 may be located in some other location than directlyopposite cable port 126-1 on radio plate 121. The design of cableconnector 131-1 is merely representative; in other embodiments,alternative or additional styles of cable connectors may be used forsome or all of cable connectors 131 and cable connectors 133.

Various methods may be performed using the systems and devices detailedin relation to FIGS. 1A-3 . FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a method400 for using a cellular tower plate connection system. Method 400 maybe performed using system 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B. At block 405, multiplecables may be connected to the cable connectors of the antenna plateassembly. Such connections may be performed in a relativelytechnician-friendly environment, such as on the ground or at a facility.In some embodiments, each connection may be keyed such that a particularcable may only be connected with a particular cable connector of theantenna plate assembly. Prior to, during, or after block 405 isperformed, block 410 may be performed. At block 410, the multiple cablesmay be connected to the cable connectors of the radio plate assembly.Such connections may be performed in a relatively technician-friendlyenvironment, such as on the ground or at a facility. In someembodiments, each connection may be keyed such that a particular cablemay only be connected with the correct cable connector of the radioplate assembly.

Block 415 may be performed after block 405. Notably, however, block 415may be performed before block 410. At block 415, after the cables havebeen connected to the antenna plate assembly, the antenna plate assemblymay be connected with the antenna system. Block 415 may be performed ina relatively hostile environment, such as atop a cellular tower wherethe antenna system is located. Only a single possible orientation mayallow the antenna plate assembly to successfully mate with the ports ofthe antenna system. Alternatively, if multiple orientations arepossible, the technician may only need to ensure that the antenna plateassembly is properly oriented to ensure that all connections with theantenna system are correct. When block 415 is performed, multipleconnections between ports of the antenna system and port connectors ofthe antenna plate assembly may be made simultaneously or nearlysimultaneously. At block 420, an attachment mechanism or more than oneattachment mechanism may be engaged to secure the antenna connectionplate to the antenna system. This can include engaging a clasp, abracket, a screw-based fastener, or using an adhesive.

Block 425 may be performed after block 410. Notably, however, block 425may be performed before block 405. At block 425, after the cables havebeen connected to the radio plate assembly, the radio plate assembly maybe connected with the radio system. Only a single possible orientationmay allow the radio plate assembly to successfully mate with the portsof the radio system. Alternatively, if multiple orientations arepossible, the technician may only need to ensure that the radio plateassembly is properly oriented to ensure that all connections with theradio system are correct. When block 425 is performed, multipleconnections between ports of the radio system and port connectors of theradio plate assembly may be made simultaneously or nearlysimultaneously. At block 430, an attachment mechanism or more than oneattachment mechanism may be engaged to secure the radio connection plateto the radio system. This can include engaging a clasp, a bracket, ascrew-based fastener, or using an adhesive.

As previously mentioned, certain connections may be keyed to preventincorrect connections from being inadvertently made. The following keyedcable ports and keyed cable connectors may be used in conjunction withthe antenna plate assemblies and radio plate assemblies described inrelation to FIGS. 1A-4 . Alternatively, the keyed cable ports and keyedcable connectors described herein may also be used in embodiments thatdo not use the antenna plate assemblies and radio plate assembliesdescribed in relation to FIGS. 1A-4 . In such environments, the keyedcable ports may be installed directly as part of the antenna systems andradio systems and may be used to connect with the keyed cable connectorsof various cable assemblies. While the following examples are focused onconnections between antennas and radios and antenna plate assemblies andradio plate assemblies, other embodiments of keyed connectors caninclude connections between antennas, radios, BBUs, DUs, and/or cellularsite routers.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a first pair of a keyed cable port and a keyedcable connector that can be connected together. FIG. 5 illustrates anembodiment of a keyed cable port 500. Keyed cable port 500 can, forexample, be used in place of the (non-keyed) cable port 126-1 of plateassembly 200. Again, as previously detailed, plate assembly 200 can be aradio plate assembly or an antenna plate assembly. Alternatively, ifplate assemblies are not being used, keyed cable port 500 can be used asa port of radio ports 113 or antenna ports 153.

Keyed cable port 500 can include baseplate 501; outer port cover 510;signal carrier 520; and keyed protrusions 530. Baseplate 501 may befastened, such as by using screws, to a plate assembly, such as plateassembly 200 of FIG. 2A, or directly to a system, such as radio system110. Outer port cover 510 may serve to physically connect with an outercovering of a keyed cable connector. Signal carrier 520 may beconfigured to receive an electrical or optical signal. Signal carrier520 may, for example, receive a tip of an optical cable or an electricalconductor.

Arranged around an inner portion of outer port cover 510 may be somenumber of keyed protrusions 530. In the example of keyed cable port 500,two keyed protrusions are present: 530-1 and 530-2. In otherembodiments, fewer or greater numbers of keyed protrusions 530 may bepresent. Keyed protrusions 530 may be arranged in a pattern that is onlypresent in a single cable port of the cable ports on a particular systemor plate assembly. For example, only a single cable port of cable ports126 may be keyed according to the pattern formed by keyed protrusions530 on keyed cable port 500. A cable port of cable ports 146 may bekeyed according to the same pattern formed by keyed protrusions 530.Therefore, ports intended to be connected together may be keyed thesame.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a keyed cable connector 600. Keyedcable connector 600 is designed to be able to connect with keyed cableport 500 but not connect with other cable ports keyed differently. Keyedcable connector 600 can include: outer connector cover 610; signalcarrier 620; and key interference protrusions 630. Outer connector cover610 may be sized in order to removably slide or screw onto outer portcover 510. Signal carrier 620 may be sized in order to connect withsignal carrier 520. Therefore, for optical cabling, a fiber-opticconnection may be formed between signal carrier 520 and signal carrier620. For electrical cabling, electrical connection may be formed betweensignal carrier 520 and signal carrier 620.

Keyed cable connector 600 may be attached to the end of the cable. Forexample, a cable assembly of cable assemblies 130 may include a firstinstance of keyed cable connector 600 on a first end of the cable and asecond instance of keyed cable connector 600 on the second end of thecable. If the same style keyed cable connector is used on both ends ofthe cable, the cable may therefore be reversible.

Keyed cable connector 600 can include a number of key interferenceprotrusions 630 or, more generally, some form of physical element thatallows mating with only a particular style of cable port. For keyedcable connector 600, key interference protrusions 630-1, 630-2, 630-3,630-4, and 630-5 may be present. A gap 631 may be present. The presenceof gap 631 in the arrangement of key interference protrusions 630 maypermit keyed cable connector 600 to be fully connected with keyed cableport 500. Gap 631 in key interference protrusions 630 provides for spacefor keyed protrusions 530.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a second pair of a keyed cable port and a keyedcable connector that can be connected together. FIG. 7 illustrates anembodiment of a keyed cable port 700. Keyed cable port 700 can, forexample, be used in place of the (non-keyed) cable port 126-2 of plateassembly 200. Again, as previously detailed, plate assembly 200 can be aradio plate assembly or an antenna plate assembly. Alternatively, ifplate assemblies are not being used, keyed cable port 700 can be used asa port of radio ports 113 or antenna ports 153.

Keyed cable port 700 has similar components to keyed cable port 500 ofFIG. 5 . Keyed cable port 700 can include baseplate 701; outer portcover 710; signal carrier 720; and keyed protrusions 730. Baseplate 701may be fastened, such as by using screws, to a plate assembly, such asplate assembly 200 of FIG. 2A, or directly to a system, such as radiosystem 110. Outer port cover 710 may serve to physically connect with anouter covering of a keyed cable connector. Signal carrier 720 may beconfigured to receive an electrical or optical signal. Signal carrier720 may, for example, receive a tip of an optical cable or an electricalconductor.

Arranged around an inner portion of outer port cover 710 may be somenumber of keyed protrusions 730. In the example of keyed cable port 700,two keyed protrusions are present: 730-1 and 730-2. In otherembodiments, fewer or greater numbers of keyed protrusions 730 may bepresent. Keyed protrusions 730 may be arranged in a pattern that is onlypresent in a single cable port of the cable ports on a particular systemor plate assembly. Notably, keyed protrusions 730 are arranged in adifferent pattern than keyed protrusions 530, which results in adifferently keyed cable connector being needed to form a connection.

Only a single cable port of cable ports 126 may be keyed according tothe pattern formed by keyed protrusions 730 on keyed cable port 700. Acable port of cable ports 146 may be keyed according to the same patternformed by keyed protrusions 730. Therefore, ports intended to beconnected together may be keyed the same.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a keyed cable connector 800. Keyedcable connector 800 is designed to be able to connect with keyed cableport 700 but not connect with other cable ports keyed differently, suchas keyed cable port 500. Keyed cable connector 800 can include: outerconnector cover 810; signal carrier 820; and key interferenceprotrusions 830. Outer connector cover 810 may be sized in order toremovably slide or screw onto outer port cover 710. Signal carrier 820may be sized in order to connect with signal carrier 720. Therefore, foroptical cabling, a fiber-optic connection may be formed between signalcarrier 720 and signal carrier 820. For electrical cabling, electricalconnection may be formed between signal carrier 720 and signal carrier820.

Keyed cable connector 800 may be attached to the end of the cable. Forexample, a cable assembly of cable assemblies 130 may include a firstinstance of keyed cable connector 800 on a first end of the cable and asecond instance of keyed cable connector 800 on the second end of thecable. If the same style keyed cable connector is used on both ends ofthe cable, the cable may therefore be reversible.

Keyed cable connector 800 can include a number of key interferenceprotrusions 830. For keyed cable connector 800, interference protrusions830-1, 830-2, 830-3, and 830-4 may be present. Gaps 831 and 832 may bepresent. The presence of gaps 831 and 832 in the arrangement of keyinterference protrusions 830 may permit keyed cable connector 800 to befully connected with keyed cable port 700. Gap 831 in key interferenceprotrusions 830 provides for space for keyed protrusion 730-2. Gap 832in key interference protrusions 830 provides for space for keyedprotrusion 730-1. Keyed interference protrusion 830-1 may fit betweenkeyed protrusions 730-1 and 730-2.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a third pair of a keyed cable port and a keyedcable connector that can be connected together. FIG. 9 illustrates anembodiment of a keyed cable port 900. Keyed cable port 900 can, forexample, be used in place of the non-keyed cable port 126-3 of plateassembly 200. Again, as previously detailed, plate assembly 200 can be aradio plate assembly or an antenna plate assembly. Alternatively, ifplate assemblies are not being used, keyed cable port 900 can be used asa port of radio ports 113 or antenna ports 153.

Keyed cable port 900 has similar components to keyed cable port 500 ofFIG. 5 and keyed cable port 700 of FIG. 7 . Keyed cable port 900 caninclude baseplate 901; outer port cover 910; signal carrier 920; andkeyed protrusions 930. Baseplate 901 may be fastened, such as by usingscrews, to a plate assembly, such as plate assembly 200 of FIG. 2A, ordirectly to a system, such as radio system 110. Outer port cover 910 mayserve to physically connect with an outer covering of a keyed cableconnector. Signal carrier 920 may be configured to receive an electricalor optical signal. Signal carrier 920 may, for example, receive a tip ofan optical cable or an electrical conductor.

Arranged around an inner portion of outer port cover 910 may be somenumber of keyed protrusions 930. In the example of keyed cable port 900,four keyed protrusions are present: 930-1, 930-2, 930-3, and 930-4. Inother embodiments, fewer or greater numbers of keyed protrusions 930 maybe present. Keyed protrusions 930 may be arranged in a pattern that isonly present in a single cable port of the cable ports on a particularsystem or plate assembly. Notably, keyed protrusions 930 are arranged ina different pattern than keyed protrusions 530 and keyed protrusions730, which results in a differently keyed cable connector being neededto form a connection.

Only a single cable port of cable ports 126 may be keyed according tothe pattern formed by keyed protrusions 930 on keyed cable port 900. Acable port of cable ports 146 may be keyed according to the same patternformed by keyed protrusions 930. Therefore, ports intended to beconnected together may be keyed the same.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a keyed cable connector 1000. Keyedcable connector 1000 is designed to be able to connect with keyed cableport 900 but not connect with other cable ports keyed differently, suchas keyed cable port 500 of FIG. 5 or keyed cable port 700 of FIG. 7 .Keyed cable connector 1000 can include: outer connector cover 1010;signal carrier 1020; and key interference protrusions 1030. Outerconnector cover 1010 may be sized in order to removably slide or screwonto outer port cover 910. Signal carrier 1020 may be sized in order toconnect with signal carrier 920. Therefore, for optical cabling, afiber-optic connection may be formed between signal carrier 920 andsignal carrier 1020. For electrical cabling, electrical connection maybe formed between signal carrier 920 and signal carrier 1020.

Keyed cable connector 1000 may be attached to the end of the cable. Forexample, a cable assembly of cable assemblies 130 may include a firstinstance of keyed cable connector 1000 on a first end of the cable and asecond instance of keyed cable connector 1000 on the second of thecable. If the same style keyed cable connector is used on both ends ofthe cable, the cable may therefore be reversible.

Keyed cable connector 1000 can include a number of key interferenceprotrusions 1030. For keyed cable connector 1000, key interferenceprotrusions 1030-1, 1030-2, 1030-3, and 1030-4 may be present. Gaps1031, 1032, 1033, and 1034 may be present. The presence of gaps1031-1034 in the arrangement of key interference protrusions 1030 maypermit keyed cable connector 1000 to be fully connected with keyed cableport 900. Gap 1031 in key interference protrusions 1030 provides forspace for keyed protrusion 930-2. Gap 1032 in key interferenceprotrusions 1030 provides for space for keyed protrusion 930-3. Gap 1033in key interference protrusions 1030 provides for space for keyedprotrusion 930-4. Gap 1034 in key interference protrusions 1030 providesfor space for keyed protrusion 930-1.

The remaining cable connectors of a system or plate assembly may besimilarly each keyed differently to prevent incorrect connections. Itshould be understood that the specific keying patterns, locations ofconnectors, locations of ports, numbers of connectors, and numbers ofports are merely examples. The specific designs of the ports andconnectors can vary by embodiment. Further, in some embodiments, adesign similar to the keyed cable connectors may instead be attached tothe plate assemblies and a design similar to the keyed cable ports maybe used as part of a cable assembly.

The methods, systems, and devices discussed above are examples. Variousconfigurations may omit, substitute, or add various procedures orcomponents as appropriate. For instance, in alternative configurations,the methods may be performed in an order different from that described,and/or various stages may be added, omitted, and/or combined. Also,features described with respect to certain configurations may becombined in various other configurations. Different aspects and elementsof the configurations may be combined in a similar manner. Also,technology evolves and, thus, many of the elements are examples and donot limit the scope of the disclosure or claims.

Specific details are given in the description to provide a thoroughunderstanding of example configurations (including implementations).However, configurations may be practiced without these specific details.This description provides example configurations only, and does notlimit the scope, applicability, or configurations of the claims. Rather,the preceding description of the configurations will provide thoseskilled in the art with an enabling description for implementingdescribed techniques. Various changes may be made in the function andarrangement of elements without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe disclosure.

Also, configurations may be described as a process which is depicted asa flow diagram or block diagram. Although each may describe theoperations as a sequential process, many of the operations can beperformed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of theoperations may be rearranged. A process may have additional steps notincluded in the figure.

Having described several example configurations, various modifications,alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departingfrom the spirit of the disclosure. For example, the above elements maybe components of a larger system, wherein other rules may takeprecedence over or otherwise modify the application of the invention.Also, a number of steps may be undertaken before, during, or after theabove elements are considered.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cellular plate assembly, comprising: a radioplate having a first side and a second side; a plurality of radio portconnectors arranged on the first side of the radio plate, wherein eachradio port connector of the plurality of radio port connectorsconfigured to be connected with a different radio port of a cellularradio system; and a plurality of cable ports arranged on the second sideof the radio plate, wherein: each cable port of the plurality of cableports is connected with a corresponding radio port connector of theplurality of radio port connectors; and each cable port of the pluralityof cable ports is keyed differently such that only a particular keyedcable assembly of a plurality of keyed cable assemblies can be matedwith the cable port.
 2. The cellular plate assembly of claim 1, whereinthe plurality of radio port connectors are arranged on the first side ofthe radio plate such that the cellular plate assembly is configured tobe connected with the cellular radio system in only a singleorientation.
 3. The cellular plate assembly of claim 1, wherein eachcable port of the plurality of cable ports and its corresponding radioport connector of the plurality of radio port connectors are directlyopposite each other on the first side and the second side of the radioplate to minimize a wiring distance.
 4. The cellular plate assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of cable ports are arranged different onthe second side of the radio plate than the plurality of radio portconnectors on the first side of the radio plate.
 5. The cellular plateassembly of claim 1, further comprising an attachment mechanism attachedwith the radio plate, wherein the attachment mechanism attaches with thecellular radio system.
 6. The cellular plate assembly of claim 5,wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a latch that is configured tolatch onto the cellular radio system.
 7. The cellular plate assembly ofclaim 5, further comprising an o-ring, wherein, when the attachmentmechanism is attached with the cellular radio system, the o-ring forms awater-tight seal around the plurality of radio port connectors.
 8. Acellular plate assembly, comprising: an antenna plate having a firstside and a second side; a plurality of antenna port connectors arrangedon the first side of the antenna plate, wherein each antenna portconnector of the plurality of antenna port connectors is configured tobe connected with a different radio port of a cellular antenna system; aplurality of cable ports arranged on the second side of the antennaplate, wherein: each cable port of the plurality of cable ports isconnected with a corresponding antenna port connector of the pluralityof antenna port connectors; and each cable port of the plurality ofcable ports is keyed differently such that only a particular keyed cableassembly of a plurality of keyed cable assemblies can be mated with thecable port.
 9. The cellular plate assembly of claim 8, wherein theplurality of antenna port connectors are arranged on the first side ofthe antenna plate such that the cellular plate assembly is configured tobe connected with the cellular antenna system in only a singleorientation.
 10. The cellular plate assembly of claim 8, wherein eachcable port and its corresponding antenna port are directly opposite eachother on the first side and the second side of the antenna plate tominimize wiring distance.
 11. The cellular plate assembly of claim 8,wherein the plurality of cable ports are arranged different on thesecond side of the antenna plate than the plurality of antenna portconnectors on the first side of the antenna plate.
 12. The cellularplate assembly of claim 8, further comprising an attachment mechanismattached with the antenna plate, wherein the attachment mechanismattaches with the cellular antenna system.
 13. The cellular plateassembly of claim 12, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a latchthat is configured to latch onto the cellular antenna system.
 14. Thecellular plate assembly of claim 12, further comprising an o-ring,wherein, when the attachment mechanism is attached with the cellularantenna system, the o-ring forms a water-tight seal around the pluralityof antenna port connectors.
 15. A cellular radio to cellular antennaconnection system, comprising: a cellular radio plate assembly,comprising: a radio plate having a first side and a second side; aplurality of radio port connectors arranged on the first side of theradio plate, wherein each radio port connector of the plurality of radioport connectors configured to be connected with a different radio portof a cellular radio system; and a first plurality of cable portsarranged on the second side of the radio plate, wherein: each cable portof the first plurality of cable ports is connected with a correspondingradio port connector of the plurality of radio port connectors; and eachcable port of the first plurality of cable ports is keyed differentlysuch that only a corresponding keyed cable assembly of a plurality ofkeyed cable assemblies can be mated with the cable port; and a cellularantenna plate assembly, comprising: an antenna plate having a first sideand a second side; a plurality of antenna port connectors arranged onthe first side of the radio plate, wherein each antenna port connectorof the plurality of antenna port connectors is configured to beconnected with a corresponding port of an antenna system; a secondplurality of cable ports arranged on the second side of the antennaplate, wherein: each cable port of the second plurality of cable portsis connected with a corresponding antenna port connector of theplurality of antenna port connectors; and each cable port of the secondplurality of cable ports is keyed differently such that only thecorresponding keyed cable assembly of the plurality of keyed cableassemblies can be mated with the cable port.
 16. The cellular radio tocellular antenna connection system of claim 15, further comprising theplurality of keyed cable assemblies.
 17. The cellular radio to cellularantenna connection system of claim 16, wherein each keyed cable assemblyof the plurality of keyed cable assemblies has a first end keyed to onlya single cable port of the first plurality of cable ports and a secondend keyed to only a second cable port of the second plurality of cableports.
 18. The cellular radio to cellular antenna connection system ofclaim 15, wherein the cellular radio is a 5G New Radio (NR) cellularradio.
 19. The cellular radio to cellular antenna connection system ofclaim 15, wherein the cellular radio plate assembly further comprises afirst attachment mechanism attached with the radio plate, wherein thefirst attachment mechanism attaches with the cellular radio system. 20.The cellular radio to cellular antenna connection system of claim 19,wherein the cellular antenna plate assembly further comprises a secondattachment mechanism attached with the antenna plate, wherein the secondattachment mechanism attaches with the antenna system.